Directions: All of these contain errors in the forms of modals. Correct the errors.
1.
She can to see it. 5.
Can you please to pass the rice?
2.
She cans see it.
3.
She can sees it.
4.
She can saw it.
6.
7.
Do you can see it?*
They don't can go there. **
Directions: Ask and answer polite requests.
Speaker A : Your book is open. Present the situation to Speaker B.
Speaker B: Your book is closed. Make a polite request for the situation.
Speaker A: Give a typical response.
Example:
SPEAKER A (book open): You and I are co-workers. We don't know each other well. We're at a lunch table in a cafeteria. You want the pepper.
SPEAKER B (book closed): Would/Could you please pass me the pepper? (Note:
Will is also possible because the speaker uses please, but can is probably not appropriate in this situation.)
SPEAKER A: Certainly. I'd be glad to. Here you are.
1.
You and I are good friends. We're in my apartment. You want to use the phone.
2.
I'm your instructor. You want to leave class early.
3.
You call your friend. Her name is (…..). I answer the phone. You and I don't know each other.
4.
I'm your supervisor at work. You knock on my half-open office door. I'm sitting at my desk. You want to come in.
5.
I'm Dr. North's secretary. You want to make an appointment to see Dr. North.
6.
We're roommates. You want me to tape (a particular program) on the VCR tonight while you're away at a meeting.
7.
I'm a stranger next to you at an airport check-in line. You want me to save your place in line and keep an eye on your luggage while you get a drink of water.
Directions: Using the verb in parentheses, fill in the blank either with if I + the past tense or with the -ing form of the verb. In some of the sentences, either response is possible but the meaning is different.
1.
I'm getting tired. I'd like to go home and go to bed. Would you mind (leave)
If left early?
2.
I'm sorry. I didn't understand what you said. Would you mind (repeat)
Repeating that?
3.
A: Are you going to the post office?
B: Yes.
A: Would you mind (mail) this letter for me?
B: Not at all.
4 A: Are you coming with us?
B: I know I promised to go with you, but I'm not feeling very good. Would you mind
(Stay) home?
A: Of course not.
5 A: It's getting hot in here. Would you mind (open) the window?
B: No.
6 A: This is probably none of my business, but would you mind (ask) you a personal question?
B: It depends.
7 A: Would you mind (smoke) ?
B: I'd really rather you didn't.
8 A: Excuse me. Would you mind (speak) a little more slowly? I didn't catch what you said .
B: Oh, of course. I'm sorry
9 A: I don't like this TV program. Would you mind
( change) the channel?
B: Unh-unh .
10. A: You have an atlas, don't you? Would you mind (borrow) it for a minute? I need to settle an argument. My friend says Timbuktu is in Asia, and I say it's in Australia.
B: You're both wrong. It's in Africa, Here's the atlas. Look it up for yourself.
Directions: Pair up and make dialogues.
Speaker A: Make a polite request using would you mind.
Speaker B: Give a typical response.
Example: You have a library book. You want the other person to take it back to the library for you.
SPEAKER A: Are you going to the library? SPEAKER B: Yes.
SPEAKER A: This book is due. Would you mind taking it back to the library for me?
SPEAKER B: Not at all. I'd be glad to.
1.
You've finished dinner. You're about to wash the dinner dishes. You want the other person to dry them.
2.
You're watching TV together. One of you has the remote control and wants to turn up the volume.
3.
One of you says that you're going to a particular store. The other one wants something from that store, too, but doesn't have time to go there.
4.
One of you wants to ask the other a personal question.
5.
You're in a computer lab at a language school. One of you knows how to run the computers, and the other doesn't. The one who doesn't wants to see a CD-
ROM program.
Directions: Complete the polite requests with your own words. Try to imagine what the speaker might say in the given situation.
1.
JACK: What's the trouble, Officer?
OFFICER: You made an illegal U-turn. I
JACK: did?
OFFICER: Yes. May I see you driver’s license ?
JACK: Certainly. It's in my wallet.
OFFICER: Would you please remove it from your mallet ?
2.
WAITER: Good evening. Are you ready to order?
CUSTOMER: No, we're not. Could ?
WAITER: Certainly. And if you have any questions, I'd be happy to tell you about anything on the menu.
3.
SALLY: Are you driving to the meeting tonight?
MIKE: Uh-huh, I am.
SALLY: Could ?
MIKE: Sure. I'll pick you up at 7:00.
4.
MR. PENN: Something's come up, and I can't meet with you Tuesday. Would you
mind ?
MS. GRAY: Let me check my calendar.
5.
MECHANIC: What seems to be the trouble with your car?
CUSTOMER: Something's wrong with the brakes, I think. Could ?
MECHANIC: Sure. Just pull the car into the garage.
6.
CLERK: May ?
CUSTOMER: Yes, please. Could ?
CLERK: Surely. Do you have a particular color in mind?
7.
SHELLEY: Are you enjoying the movie?
MIKE: Yeah, you?
SHELLEY: Yes, but I can't see over the man in front of me. Would you mind
?
MIKE: Not at all. I see two empty seats across the aisle.
8.
CARLO: I have to leave now, but I'd like to continue this conversation later. May
ANNE: Of course. My phone number is 555-1716. I'll look forward to hearing from you.
Directions: For each situation, make up a short dialogue between two speakers. The dialogue should contain a polite request and a response to that request.
Example: Names of the speakers: Janet and Sara
Janet doesn't have enough money to go to a movie tonight. She wants to borrow some from Sara, who is her roommate and good friend.
Possible dialogue:
JANET: There's a movie I really want to see tonight, but I'm running a little low on money right now. Could I borrow a few dollars? I'll pay you back Friday.
SARA: Sure. No problem. How much do you need?
1.
Names of the speakers: Mike and Elena
Mike is walking down the hall of his office building. He needs to know what time it is. He asks Elena, a co-worker he's seen before but has never met.
2.
Names of the speakers: Larry and Matt
Larry is trying to study. His roommate, Matt, is playing a CD very loudly, and this is bothering Larry, who is trying to be polite even though he feels frustrated and a little angry .
3.
Names of the speakers: Kate and Jason
Kate is phoning her friend Tom. Jason answers and tells her that Tom is out. Kate wants to leave a message.
4.
Names of the speakers: Ms. Jackson and a friendly stranger
Ms. Jackson is in the middle of the city. She's lost. She's trying to find the bus station. She stops someone on the street to ask for directions.
5.
Names of the speakers: Paul and Jack
Paul just arrived at work and remembered that he left his stove on back in his apartment. His neighbor Jack has a key to the front door, and Paul knows that Jack hasn't left for work yet. Anxiously, he telephones Jack for help.
6.
Names of the speakers: your name and your partner's name one of you has a minor problem that requires the other's help.
Directions: What are some polite requests you have heard or have said in the following places? Create typical dialogues.
1.
in this classroom
2.
at a service station
3.
at a restaurant
4.
at a clothing store
5.
at an airport
6.
on the telephone
Directions: Answer the questions. Practice pronouncing the usual spoken forms of have to and have got to.
1.
What are some of the things you have to do today or tomorrow?
2.
What does ( ………) have to do today?
3.
What have you got to do after class?
4.
What has ( ……… ) got to do after class?
5.
Can you think of something very important that you must do today or tomorrow?
6.
What is something that you had to do yesterday?
7.
Ask a classmate a question using have to and what time/where/how often/why. *
* A form of do is used with have to in questions: e.g., When does he have to leave?
Directions: Use must not or do not have to in the following.
1.
I've already finished all my work, so I don’t have to study tonight. I think
I'll read for a while.
2.
I must not forget to take my key with me.
3.
You introduce me to Dr. Gray. We've already met.
4.
In order to be a good salesclerk, you be rude to a customer.
5.
A person become rich and famous in order to live a successful life.
6.
Johnny! You .
play with sharp knives. Put that knife down immediately!
7.
I go to the doctor. I'm feeling much better.
8.
We go to the concert if you don't want to, but it might be good.
9.
Robin! What are you doing? No, no, no. You put your vitamin pill in your nose!
10.
Bats see in order to avoid obstacles. They can navigate in complete darkness.
11.
If you encounter a growling dog, you show any signs of fear. If a dog senses fear, it is more likely to attack a person.
12.
A person get married in order to lead a happy and fulfilling life.
Directions: Complete the sentences with your own words.
Example: Students don't have to………….
Possible response: Students in elementary school don't have to pay tuition.
Example: Students must not ....
Possible response: Students must not cheat during tests.
1.
Children must not ……..
2.
Children don't have to………
3.
Drivers must not ……..
4.
Drivers don't have to ………
5.
We don't have to ………..
7.
(……) doesn't have to....
8.
(………) must not…….
9.
Waiters must not …….
10.
Waiters don't have to……
11.
II. I don't have to ……
6.
We must not ………….. 12. I must not………..
Directions: Work in pairs, in groups, or as a class.
Speaker A: Your book is open. Present the problem as given in the text.
Speaker B: Your book is closed. Give advice by using should, ought to, or had better.
Example:
SPEAKER A (book open): I have a test tomorrow.
SPEAKER B (book closed): You should (ought to, had better) study tonight.
1.
I'm writing a composition, and there is a word I don't know how to spell.
2.
I don't feel well. I think I'm catching a cold.
3.
I can't see the chalkboard when I sit in the back row.
4.
I'm cold.
5.
My foot is asleep.
6.
My roommate snores, and I can't get to sleep.
7.
My friend is arriving at the airport this evening. I'm supposed to pick him up, but
I've forgotten what time his plane gets in.
8.
My apartment is a mess, and my mother is coming to visit tomorrow!
9.
There's no food in the house, and some guests are coming to dinner tonight.
10.
I can't stop yawning.
11.
I have a toothache.
12.
I need to improve my English.
13.
I have the hiccups.
14.
When William gets out of college, his parents expect him to manage the family business, a shoe store, but he wants to be an architect.
15.
Pam's younger brother, who is 18, is using illegal drugs. How can she help him?
16.
The Taylors' daughter is very excited about going to Denmark to study for four months. You've been an international student, haven't you? Could you give her some advice?
Directions: Complete the dialogues with your own words.
1.
A: Oops! I spilled coffee on my shirt .
B: You'd better run it under hot water before the stain sets .
2.
A: The shoes I bought last week .
B: Oh? You ought to .
3.
A: Jimmy, you'd better .
or I'm going to .
B: Okay, Mom. I'll do it right now.
4.
A: I'd better .
B: I agree. It'll be winter soon.
5.
A: I've been studying for three days straight.
B: I know. You should .
A: I know, but .
6.
A: Kids, your dad and I work hard all day long. Don't you think you should
.
B: .
7.
A: My doctor said I should ,but I
.
B: Well, I think you'd better .
8.
A: You should if you
.
B: Thanks for reminding me. I'd better .
9.
A: Have you .
B: No, not yet.
A: You really ought to .
10.
A: Mary's always wanted to learn how to .
B: Isn't your brother .
You should .
11.
A: Do you think I ought to or .
B: I think you'd better . If you don't,
.
12.
A: Lately I can't seem to concentrate on anything, and I feel .
.
B: Maybe you should .
Or have you thought about .
Directions: Which sentence in the following pairs is stronger? Discuss situations in which a speaker might say these sentences.
1.
a. You should go to a doctor. b. You'd better go to a doctor.
3.
a. I have to go to the post office. b. I should go to the post office.
4.
a. We shouldn't go into that room.
2.
a. Mary should go to work today b. We must not go into that room. b. Mary must go to work today.
5.
a. You'd better not go there alone.
3. a. We've got to go to class.
b. We ought to go to class.
b. You shouldn't go there alone
Directions: Use either should or must / have to in the following. In some sentences either is possible, but the meaning is different. Discuss the meanings of the completions.
1.
A person must/has to eat in order to live.
2.
A person should eat a balanced diet.
3.
If you want to become a doctor, you go to medical school for many years.
4.
I don't have enough money to take the bus, so I walk home.
5.
Walking is good exercise. You say you want to get more exercise. You walk to and from work instead of taking the bus.
6.
We go to Colorado for our vacation.
7.
According to my advisor, I take another English course.
8.
Rice have water in order to grow.
9.
This pie is very good. You try a piece.
10.
This pie is excellent! You try a piece.*
* Sometimes in speaking, must has the meaning of a very enthusiastic should.
Directions: Work in pairs, in groups, or as a class.
Speaker A: Your book is open. Present the situation given in the book.
Speaker B: Your book is closed. Comment on the situation using should have + past participle
Example: I didn't invite (….. ) to my party. That made him/her feel bad. I'm sorry I didn't invite him/her.
SPEAKER A (book open): I didn't invite Sonya to my party. That made her feel bad. I'm sorry I didn't invite her.
SPEAKER B ( book closed): You should have invited Sonya to your party.
1.
( ... ) made a mistake yesterday. He/She left the door to hislher house open, and a bird flew in. He/She had a terrible time catching the bird.
2.
There was an important meeting yesterday afternoon, but you decided not to go. That was a mistake. Now your boss is angry.
3.
( ... ) didn't feel good a couple of days ago. I told him/her to see a doctor, but he/she didn't.
That was a mistake. Now he/she is very sick.
4.
( .... ) sold her/his car. That was a mistake because now she/he can't take trips to see herlhis friends and relatives.
5.
( ... ) signed a contract to buy some furniture without reading it thoroughly. Now she/he has discovered that she/he is paying a higher interest rate than shelhe expected. Shelhe made a mistake.
Directions: Work in pairs
Speaker A: Your book is open. Present the situation.
Speaker B: Your book is closed. Use should have + past participle in your response.
Example:
SPEAKER A (book open): You failed the test because you didn't study. I
SPEAKER B (book closed): should have studied.
1.
You are cold because you didn't wear a coat.
2.
You misspelled a word because you didn't look it up in the dictionary.
3.
Your friend is upset because you didn't write him a letter.
4.
You are broke now because you spent all your money foolishly.
5.
The room is full of flies because you opened the window.
6.
You don't have any food for dinner because you didn't go to the grocery store.
7.
You overslept this morning because you didn't set your alarm clock.
8.
Your friends went to (New Orleans) over vacation. They had a good time. You didn't go with them, and now you are sorry.
Switch roles.
9.
You didn't have a cup of coffee. Now you are sleepy.
10.
John loved Mary, but he didn't marry her. Now he is unhappy.
11.
John loved Mary, and he married her. But now he is unhappy.
12.
You were sick yesterday, but you went to class anyway. Today you feel worse.
13.
The weather was beautiful yesterday, but you stayed inside all day.
14.
You bought your girlfriend/boyfriend a box of candy for herlhis birthday, but she!he doesn't like candy.
15.
The little girl told a lie. She got into a lot oftrouble.
16.
You lent your car to (…… ), but s!he had an accident because slhe was driving on the wrong side of the road.
Directions: Discuss or write what you think the people in the following situations should have done and should not have done.
Example:
Tom didn't study for the test. During the exam he panicked and started looking at other students' test papers. He didn't think the teacher saw him, but she did. She warned him once to stop cheating, but he continued. As a result, the teacher took Tom's test paper, told him to leave the room, and failed him on the exam.
Tom should have studied for the test.
He shouldn't have panicked during the test.
He shouldn't have started cheating.
He should have known the teacher would see him cheating.
He should have stopped cheating after the first warning.
The teacher should have ripped up Tom's paper and sent him out of the room the first time she saw him cheating.
1.
John and his wife, Julie, had good jobs as professionals in New York City. John was offered a high-paying job in Chicago, which he immediarely accepted. Julie was shocked when he came home that evening and told her the news. She liked her job and the people she worked with, and did not want to move away and look for another job.
2.
Ann agreed to meet her friend Carl at the library to help him with his chemistry homework. On the way, she stopped at a cafe where her boyfriend worked. Her boyfriend told her he could get off work early that night, so the two of them decided to go to a movie. Ann didn't cancel her plans with Carl. Carl waited for three hours at the library.
3.
For three years, Donna had been saving her money for a trip to Europe. Her brother,
Larry, had a good job, but spent all of his money on expensive cars, clothes, and entertainment. Suddenly, Larry was fired from his job and had no money to support himself while he looked for another one. Donna lent him nearly all of her savings, and within three weeks he spent it all on his car, more clothes, and expensive restaurants.
4.
Sarah often exaggerated and once told a co-worker that she was fluent in French even though she had studied only a little and could not really communicate in the language. A few days later, her boss asked her to come to his office to interpret a meeting with a
French businessman who had just arrived from Paris to negotiate a major contract with the company. After an embarrassed silence, Sarah told her boss that she was feeling ill and had to go home immediately.
Directions: Correct the errors.
1.
The building custodian supposed to unlock the classrooms every morning.
2.
We're not suppose to open that door.
3.
Where are we suppose to meet?
4.
I have a meeting at seven tonight, I suppose to be there a little early to discuss the agenda.
5.
When we go to the store, Annie, you not suppose to handle the glassware. It might break, and then you'd have to pay for it out of your allowance.
6.
I'm suppose to be at the meeting, I suppose* I'd better go.
7.
Where have you been? You suppose be here an hour ago!
8.
A: I can't remember what the boss said. Should I supposed to work in the mail order room tomorrow morning and then the shipping department tomorrow afternoon?
Or the other way around?
B: How am I supposing to remember what you suppose to do? I have enough trouble remembering what I supposed doing.
* COMPARE: I suppose = I guess, I think, I believe.
I’m supposed to
= I am expected to.
Directions: Answer the questions in complete sentences, using be supposed to . Switch roles after Item 6 if you work in pairs.
Example:
SPEAKER A (book open) : If you're driving and a traffic light turns red, what are you supposed to do?
SPEAKER B (book closed): You're supposed to come to a complete stop. *
1.
What are you supposed to do if you're involved in a traffic accident?
2.
What are you supposed to do prior to take-off in an airplane?
3.
What are some things athletes in training are supposed to do, and some things they're not supposed to do?
4.
What are you supposed to do later today or this week?
5.
If you're driving and an ambulance with flashing lights and blaring sirens comes up behind you, what are you supposed to do?
6.
Can' you think of something you were supposed to do yesterday (or sometime in the past) but didn't do?
7.
What are we supposed to be doing right now?
8.
Tell me about any job you've had. What were you supposed to do on a typical day?
9.
Where are you supposed to be at o'clock tomorrow?
10.
What were you supposed to do sometime last week that you didn't do?
11.
If someone tells you a secret, what are you not supposed to do?
12.
In the place you live or work, who is supposed to do what? In other words, what are the duties or responsibilities of the people who live or work with you?
*Note the use of impersonal you. See Chart 8-5, p. 140.
Directions: Which sentence in each pair is stronger?
1.
a. You have got to wear your seatbelt. b.
You should wear your seatbelt.
2.
a.You had better wear your seatbelt. b.
You ought to wear your seatbelt.
3.
a. You must wear your seatbelt. b. You had better wear your seatbelt.
4.
a.
You have to wear your seatbelt. b.
You are supposed to wear your seatbelt.
5.
a. We are supposed to bring our own pencils. b.
We have to bring our own pencils.
6.
a.
We ought to bring our own pencils. b.
We have got to bring our own pencils.
7.
a. We had better bring our own pencils. b. We should bring our own pencils.
Directions: Complete the following and discuss the meaning you wish to express by giving reasons for your statement .
Example: I'd better ....
I'd better write my mother a letter. (Reason: If I don't, there will be a bad result: she'll be angry or start worrying about me or feel hurt.)
1.
I should .....................
2.
I'm supposed ..........
3.
I ought to ...................
4.
I'd better ..................
5.
I have to....................
6.
I've got to ................
7.
I must............
8.
I shouldn't..............
9.
I'm not supposed to...............
10.
I'd better not ......................
11.
I don't have to.....................
12.
I must not .....................
Directions: Choose one (or more) of the following topics for writing, group discussion, or roleplaying. Include these words and expressions. a.
Should b.
have to c.
be supposed to d.
shouldn't e.
be not supposed to g.
h.
i.
Must ought to must not j.
do not have to k.
have got to
Topics: f.
had better
1.
Pretend that you are the supervisor of a roomful of young children. The children are in your care for the next six hours. What would you say to them to make sure they understand your expectations and your rules so that they will be safe and cooperative? a.
You should pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them. b.
You have to stay in this room. Do not go outside without my permission c.
You're supposed to take a short nap at one o'clock. d.
Etc.
2.
Pretend that you are teaching your younger sister/brother how to drive a car. This is her/his first time behind the wheel, and she/he knows little about driving regulations and the operation of an automobile.
3.
Pretend that you are a travel agent and you are helping two students who are traveling abroad for a vacation. You want them to understand the travel arrangements you have made, and you want to explain some of the local customs of the countries they will be visiting.
4.
Pretend that you are the supervisor of salesclerks in a large department store and that you are talking to two new employees. You want to acquaint them with their job and your expectations.
5.
Pretend that you are instructing the babysitter who will watch your three young children while you are out for the evening. They haven't had dinner, and they don't like to go to bed when they're told to.
Directions: Complete the dialogues with your own words.
1.
A: A new Japanese restaurant just opened downtown.
Let's eat there tonight
B: Great idea! I'd like some good sushi.
A: Why don't you call and make a reservation ?
Make it for about 7:30 .
B: No, let's make it for 8.00 I'll be working until 7:30 tonight.
2.
A: I don't feel like staying home today.
B: Neither do 1. Why don't .
A: Hey, that's a great idea! What time shall .
B: How about in an hour?
A: Good.
3.
A: Shall or first?
B: Let's first, then we can take our time over dinner.
A: Why don't
B: Yes. Then we'll be sure
4.
A: Let's over the weekend. The fresh air would do us both good.
B: I agree. Why don't .
A: No. Sleeping in a tent is too uncomfortable. Let's .
It won't be that expensive, and we'll have hot water and a TV in the room. All the comforts of home.
5.
A: How are we ever going to prepare for tomorrow's exam? There's so much to know!
B: Why don't
A: All right. And then let's
B: Okay, but after that we should
Directions: Discuss Speaker B's use of should and could in the dialogues. In your own words, what is Speaker B saying?
1.
A: Ted doesn't feel good. He has a bad stomachache.
B: He should see a doctor.
2.
A: Ted doesn't feel good. He has a bad stomachache. What do you think he should do?
B: Well, I don't know. He could call a doctor. He could call Dr. Smith. Or he could call
Dr. Jones. Or he could simply stay in bed for a day and hope he feels better tomorrow.
3.
A: I need to get to the airport.
B: You should take the airport bus. It's cheaper than a taxi.
4.
A: I need to get to the airport.
B: Well, you could take the airport bus. Or you could take a taxi. Maybe Matt could take you. He has a car.
5.
A: I took a taxi to the airport, and it cost me a fortune.
B: You should have taken the airport bus.
6.
A: I took a taxi to the airport, and it cost me a fortune.
B: You could have taken the airport bus. Or maybe Matt could have taken you.
Directions: Form a group of four.
Speaker A: Your book is open. Present the given situation.
Speakers B, C, and D: Your books are closed. Make suggestions or give advice. Use could to suggest possibilities. Use should only if you want to give strong, definite
Speaker A: When the other students are finished, pass the open book to the next student.
Example:
SPEAKER A (book open): I need to get to the airport. Any suggestions?
SPEAKER B (book closed): You could take a taxi or the airport bus.
SPEAKER C (book closed): I could take you if! can borrow my brother's car.
SPEAKER D (book closed): In my opinion, you should take the airport bus.
1.
I don't have any plans for this weekend. I need some suggestions.
2.
( ... ) and I want to go to a nice restaurant for dinner tonight. Any suggestions?
3.
I need to get from here to (name of a place in this city/town). Any suggestions?
4.
I need to buy an umbrella, but I don't know where to go. I need some suggestions.
5.
I'm hungry. I'd like to eat an egg, but I've never cooked an egg before. What should I do?
6.
I need to get a car, hut it can't be very expensive because I don't have a lot of money to spend on it. Any suggestions?
7.
I bought a (name of a car), but I'm unhappy with it. In hindsight, can you suggest other possibilities for a kind of car I could have bought?
8.
I went to (name of a place) for my vacation last summer, but I didn't enjoy it. In hindsight, can you suggest some other possibilities that I didn't think of? (I had only five days and a limited amount of money.)
9.
( ... ) went to (name of a restaurant) for dinner last night, but the food was terrible.
Do you have any hindsight suggestions?
Directions: With another student, make up a short dialogue.
Speaker A: Begin the dialogue with "What's the matter?" or "Is something the matter?"
Speaker B: Present a problem. Suggestions of words to include in the dialogue are given in the numbered list.
Speaker A: Offer suggestions by using why don't you, (maybe) you should, and/or you could.
Speaker B: Reject the first two or three suggestions and give your reasons. Then finally accept a suggestion.
Present your dialogue to the class.
Example: I don't feel very good.
SPEAKER A: Is something the matter, Carlos? You don't look good.
SPEAKER B: That's because I don't feel very good.
SPEAKER A: Oh? What's wrong?
SPEAKER B: My stomach feels a little upset.
SPEAKER A: Maybe it's something you ate. Why don't you go home and rest for a while?
SPEAKER B: I can't. I have an important meeting in fifteen minutes.
SPEAKER A: Maybe you should drink a carbonated beverage. That sometimes helps me when my stomach feels funny.
SPEAKER B: A carbonated beverage? I don't think so. I don't like carbonated drinks.
SPEAKER A: Well, you could take an antacid. I have some antacids in my office. Want me to get them for you?
SPEAKER B: Please. I think I'll try that. Maybe it'll help. Thanks.
Suggestions of words for Speaker B to include in the dialogue:
1.
……but I really don't want to go.
2.
……..but I can't afford it.
3.
……..is angry with me.
6.
My ……….is broken.
7.
I lost…….
8.
I don't like my………
4.
I don't have enough……. 9.
(Use your own words.)
5.
I don't know what……
Example letter:
Dear Abby.
My husband and my sister had an argument over a year ago, and they haven't spoken to each other since. My husband accused my sister of insulting him about his baldness. Then he told my sister that her hair looked like straw. He said he'd rather be bald than have that kind of hair. My sister insists on an apology. My husband refuses until she apologizes to him first.
The problem is that I'm planning a graduation party for my daughter. My husband insists that I not invite my sister. I tell him I have to invite her. He says he'll leave the party if my sister walks in the door. My daughter is very close to my sister and very much wants her to come to the celebration.
What should I do? I feel I must include my sister in the graduation party, but I don't want to anger my husband.
Yours truly,
Confused and Torn
Example response:
Dear Confused and Torn,
Tell your husband that this party is your daughter's time to have her whole family around her and that you're going to invite your sister to the family celebration. This is certainly and clearly a time he has to put his daughter's needs first.
And you should tell both your husband and your sister that it's time to get past their silly argument and act like grownups instead of ten-year-olds. You could offer to serve as an intermediary to get them together to apologize to each other. If you present a reasonable, adult way of handling the problem, they may start behaving like adults.
Good luck.